Day 29 - Sunday June 6, The last day.
Day 27 – Friday June 4
What a day it was. It started off OK, had a nice breakfast with my host family. We then loaded up in to van number 3 to head to Miracema. At that point I was just ready to head to Rio for the last couple nights and then to home. Our new driver seemed to have a hard time driving at a constant rate and keeping in a straight line. Not sure what it was, but I was not feeling well at all. We finally arrived and I was struggling to stay with it. We visited the Mayor, had lots of pictures taken as we walked into City Hall, up the stairs, into his office, shaking his hand, out of his office, crossing the street, walking into a museum and so on. We then walked over to a music school and by this time I was ready to pass out or puke, or maybe both. Off to lunch we go. I got a Coke and that seemed to help so I ate a little bit of rice and some ice cream. I think the ice cream was a bad idea. Once we finished lunch we had to unload van number 3 into van number 4. We went and visit a school of sorts where they teach under privileged kids dance, music and crafts which they sell. They created us with a drums band in the streets and were pretty good. After hearing more about the programs, they did a dance for us and performed a skit. During the dance, I once again started feeling bad, might have been the ice cream. I was given a Coke and it once again helped greatly. From there we went to a new Ecological Park which was very nice. At this point I was struggling, but the people were so excited to have us, I just kept smiling and saying I was OK. We had a meal/snack at the girls’ home for the night. We then dropped our bags of at our home for the night was quite interesting to say the least. Erik & I are together and Paul is by himself in another home. Did some shopping downtown for a little while, did some bar hopping and finally back to our host. I was hoping to rest a bit before we meet again, but Erik & I were welcomed by the host couple, the grandmother and the daughter in our room before we made our way to the kitchen for some food. Our group host took us back out to a club that did not even open until midnight, so we sat outside at some other bar or restaurant place and waited. Luckily, he was ready to head home shortly after midnight. So off for some much needed sleep. Erik had some drinks and fell fast asleep and snoring loudly. So I decided to record my day. Stomach is better, heartburn has set in and the mosquitoes are eating me alive. Off to bed once more, at least I hope. See Ya, See ya, See Ya!!!
Day 26 – Thursday June 3
Corpus Christie-A day where people spend hours creating large pictures in the road made of colored salt. Traditionally they would use flower pedals and sawdust. We went to see these being made in the streets of Campos. It was almost like a festival of sorts. Folks were selling stuff in little tents, outside of stores and by wondering around. Food you ask? Well of course we had to stop by a small corner pastry shop and sample some of the local baked goods. The pictures were starting to take shape. They all were very well done and done very enthusiastically by people honoring Christ. We toured the streets, did a little shopping and then it was off to eat lunch and then the beach. As luck would have it, it began to rain. At this point, we just wanted to get to lunch as it seemed we were driving forever. And then all of a sudden…the van breaks down. So now we are not only hungry, but it is pouring down rain and getting hot sitting in the van. I am not sure how long we sat there, but another van drove up and stopped to see if we were OK. Kassio, our driver, who by the way is awesome, got it worked out for the other van to take us back into the city. Unload, reload, make sure you grab everything, bye Kassio, hope to see you soon. Hi strange people already in the van, do not be afraid of us hungry folk. Back to the city we go, leaking van and all. I got a set by the door with good leg room and water leaking in the door, yeah! So we make it back and go to lunch at a Greek restaurant, yes we travel thousands of miles to Brazil to eat Greek food. But as it turned out, it was beef and rice, so all was well. Since Andre & Marcelle did not know about me staying in Campos an extra night, they had planned to travel today. Yasmin is a bit sick, so I am still staying with Nicole. After lunch we had some down time. For me it was time to take my stuff from one house to another, take a little nap, download some pictures and visit with my new family. Around 5-5:30 we were asked to come downstairs and eat. Not dinner, but what they call ‘lunchum’ or something like that. Basically, it is a meal between lunch and dinner, because we have not had enough to eat on this trip. Another BBQ was planned for the night which included a birthday celebration for Nicole. Yep, more steak, pork, chicken, rice and of course, multiple desserts including ice cream. I love this country! Yes I got my desserts, but Paul got his beer and Nicole got to dance. I think Erik & Tracy did all three, so we were all happy. Last night in Campos, sad to leave our families, looking forward to new things and 3 days from heading home. Not sure about transportation, I think my host family is providing a van to get us to Miracema. The hope is to meet Kassio there. Keep your fingers crossed. Good night all! See ya and see ya soon!!
Day 25 – Wednesday June 2
Today I meet with the Director of Culture for the City of Campos. Marcele went along as my interpreter and boy was I glad she was there. He did not know any English and well I do not know any Portuguese. He seemed very passionate about his work and the cultural history of Campos. He was very excited about new projects and frustrated over projects he wanted to do but couldn’t. He shared with me 2 books on Campos and a CD of Samba music from who brought the samba to Campos. During the tour of the building gave me a platter made by one of the clay pottery students. I thought it was pretty cool and hope I can get back home without breaking it. Also during the tour we came across a reporter who interviewed me about my visit. I am famous you know. TV shows, newspaper articles, hanging out with famous an actress, what’s next? From there it was off to lunch and to meet back up with the group. Them it was off to a recreation center. I tried to find the director or programmer, but they all seemed to be off for the day. The tour was nice and so was the facility. They offered many different sports and activities to a large range of ages. We were asked to have our pictures taken with the gymnastics group and being the good celebrities that we are, click away. Our last stop was at a school operated by one of our host families. They did some very neat dance routines for us and even greeted us in the streets with a band. Very cool! I love the excitement on the kids’ faces when we walk into their school. They seem so happy to have us and really enjoyed showing us their dance. Tonight is my last night with Andre, Marcelle & Yasmin. Tomorrow night I will stay with Nicole and her host family. So, I will enjoy the night with my family and will see you all soon. See Ya, See Ya!!!
Day 24 – Tuesday June 1
First off, today is Lenae’s birthday. So, Happy Birthday Lenae! Love you! Today we headed out to ‘Distrito Industrial – Superporto de Acu, ‘ basically a huge port and industrial site. It is in the early stages of construction and is looking to be completed over the next 20 years. As with several events before we defeat logic as we saw it. We left Campos and headed north to a small town where we were to meet up with some folks from a Rotary club that was taking us to see the port. During out trip we passed a sign that showed the port being down this road to the right. We drove for another 20 minutes and meet our people along side of the road in a small town. They jumped in their own van and we followed. At this time I thought maybe there was a short drive to the port and that the road we passed earlier was simply a route you would take directly from Campos. We proceeded to turn around and head back in the direction we came from. 5 minutes, 10, 15, 20 and we finally turn on the road we had passed on our way to meet them. Why did we not meet them closer to the only route to the port you ask?” Because that would make sense!” Why would we meet them somewhere close by when we can drive an extra 45 minutes to get to the same place. OK, off my soapbox. We arrived to the port entrance or at least the construction entrance. The port people sent us down this long dirt road to a building in the middle of nowhere. We were greeted warmly with a snack spread that could have been lunch. And yes, they had a dessert. Yum, I say, YUM! We got a brief overview and then went and learned about the companies and the project being built. After that we loaded onto a coach bus and head to the construction site. The only thing really in place was the concrete company and 2/3 of the pier, or dock or bridge, whatever you want to call it. I guess it is really a combination of all 3. Anyways, when finished, it will be nearly 2.5 miles long, straight out into the ocean. The main reason being the depth of the water. It was a neat tour and the workers would all stop and wave to us as we drove by. Guess they thought we were some high dollar investors. We were treated as such because lunch was once again, AWESOME! I ate too much, but not enough dessert. Ice cream with caramel and a strawberry sauce. I had 2 servings and was thinking about 3, but it was all gone. So now we load up and head back Campos, no detour this time. Now it is time to spend some time with my host family. Birthday gathering for Andre’s Grandmother. Happy Birthday Lenae! Have a good night. See ya!
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